BCH 131 - Molecular Foundations of Biochemistry for Health Sciences

(4 units) CO4, CO4L

This course introduces chemical principles underlying biological structure and function, integrating general, organic, and biochemistry in the context of human health. Students examine atomic and molecular interactions, water and biomolecules, organic functional groups in metabolism, and structure–function relationships of major biomolecules, with applications to physiology, metabolism, and clinical scenarios for pre-nursing and health science majors.

Maximum units a student may earn: 4

Prerequisite(s): MATH 126 or MATH 126E or MATH 126EE

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1
Offered: Every Fall and Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. apply quantitative reasoning to solve biochemical problems involving concentration, stoichiometry, and energy transformations in metabolic reactions.
2. explain atomic and molecular structure in terms of how electron distribution, polarity, and molecular geometry determine biomolecular interactions and reactivity.
3. predict and interpret organic reaction mechanisms relevant to biochemical transformations such as oxidation–reduction, hydrolysis, condensation, and isomerization.
4. analyze the influence of non-covalent forces (hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effects, ionic interactions) on the structure, folding, and function of biomolecules.
5. describe the structure and function of major classes of biomolecules — carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids — and explain how they contribute to cellular organization and physiological processes.
6. explain bioenergetic principles governing ATP production, enzymatic catalysis, and metabolic regulation in living organisms.
7. relate chemical equilibrium, osmosis, and acid-base chemistry to homeostasis and transport processes in biological systems.

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